Latch system and method for an information handling system

ABSTRACT

A latch system and method according to which a latch is connected to a component such as a chassis. A component is adapted for movement relative to the chassis at an angle of from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. The component is operably engaged in response to the relative movement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to co-pending patent application Ser. No.______ (attorney docket no. 16356.938 (DC-08876)), filed on May 31,2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to an information handling system andmore particularly to a latch system for use with a chassis of aninformation handling system.

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option is an information handling system. An information handlingsystem generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicatesinformation or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Becausetechnology and information handling needs and requirements may varybetween different applications, information handling systems may alsovary regarding what information is handled, how the information ishandled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, andhow quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, orcommunicated. The variations in information handling systems allow forinformation handling systems to be general or configured for a specificuser or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airlinereservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. Inaddition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardwareand software components that may be configured to process, store, andcommunicate information and may include one or more computer systems,data storage systems, and networking systems.

The use of a latch system to latch a door, or moving panel, on thechassis of an information handling system can improve cosmetics whileprotecting the peripherals and/or ports from damage. However, it isdifficult to design an optimum latch that can accommodate the operationof the door from any direction.

Therefore what is needed is a latch system that overcomes the aboveproblem, among others.

SUMMARY

One embodiment accordingly, provides an information handling systemcomprising a chassis, a component adapted for movement relative to thechassis at an angle ranging from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, abase connected to the chassis, and a pair of spaced arms extending fromthe base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an information handling systemaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of a portion of the informationhandling system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective back view of the portion of the informationhandling system depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is an exploded back view of the portion of the informationhandling system depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a rotary damper depicted in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of another rotary damper depicted in FIG.4A.

FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of the portion of the informationhandling system depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective back view of a door panel depicted inFIGS. 4A and 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the door panel taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the door panel taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective front view of a hinge plate depictedin FIGS. 4A and 5.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective back view of a striker cap depictedin FIG. 4A.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective bottom view of the striker capdepicted in FIGS. 4A and 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded front view of a button and a latch depicted inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the latch taken along line 13-13 of FIG.12.

FIG. 14A is a partial sectional/partial elevational view depicting thebutton and the latch of FIGS. 4A and 12-13 in an operational mode.

FIG. 14B is a view similar to that of FIG. 14A but depicting the buttonand the latch in another operational mode.

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are elevational views of the portion of theinformation handling system shown in FIG. 2 but depicting an operationalmode of a door panel assembly as a function of time.

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are views similar to that of FIGS. 15A, 15B and15C but depicting another operational mode of the door panel assembly asa function of time.

FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are views similar to that of FIGS. 16A, 16B and16C but depicting yet another operational mode of the door panelassembly as a function of time.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are views similar to that of FIG. 13 but depicting theapproach of a striker at different angles.

FIG. 19 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 18A and 18B but depicting theapproach of the striker at another angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an information handling system is generallyreferred to by the reference numeral 10. For purposes of thisdisclosure, an information handling system may include anyinstrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute,classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch,store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle or utilizeany form of information, intelligence or data for business, scientific,control, entertainment or other purposes. For example, an informationhandling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronicdevice, a network server or storage device, a switch router or othernetwork communication device, or any other suitable device and may varyin size, shape, performance, functionality and price. The informationhandling system may include memory, one or more processing resourcessuch as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software controllogic. Additional components of the information handling system mayinclude one or more storage devices, one or more communications portsfor communicating with external devices as well as various input andoutput (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse and a video display.The information handling system may also include one or more busesoperable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

The information handling system 10 includes a microprocessor 12, whichis connected to a bus 14, which, in turn, serves as a connection betweenthe microprocessor 12 and other components of the information handlingsystem 10. An input device 16 is coupled to the microprocessor 12 toprovide input to the microprocessor 12. Examples of input devicesinclude keyboards, touchscreens and pointing devices such as, forexample, mouses, trackballs and trackpads. Programs and data are storedon one or more mass storage devices 18, which are coupled to themicroprocessor 12. The one or more mass storage devices 18 may include,but are not limited to, such devices as hard disks, optical disks,magneto-optical drives, floppy drives and the like.

The information handling system 10 further includes a display 20, whichis coupled to the microprocessor 12 by a video controller 22. A systemmemory 24 is coupled to the microprocessor 12 to provide themicroprocessor with fast storage to facilitate execution of computerprograms by the microprocessor. It is understood that other buses andintermediate circuits may be deployed between the components describedabove and the microprocessor 12 to facilitate interconnection betweenthe components and the microprocessor. A chassis 26 houses themicroprocessor 12, the one or more mass storage devices 18, the videocontroller 22 and the system memory 24; it is understood that one ormore of the foregoing devices may be removed from the chassis and/orthat one or more additional devices may be housed by the chassis.

Referring to FIG. 2, with continuing reference to FIG. 1, a front bezel28 is connected to the chassis 26 in a conventional manner such as, forexample, with snap-fit connections, heat-staked connections, fastenerconnections and/or any combination thereof. The front bezel 28 includesa frame 28a through which components of the information handling system10 are viewable and/or accessible by users of the information handlingsystem, with such components including, but not limited to, one or moreUSB ports, FireWire ports, audio ports, video ports, parallel ports,serial ports and/or other types of ports, one or more bays, one or morecard readers, one or more LED status indicators and/or the equivalentthereof, one or more of the mass storage devices 18 and/or anycombination thereof. A door panel assembly 30 is coupled to the frontbezel 28 and will be described in detail later.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, with continuing reference to FIG. 2, a latch 32is connected to the front bezel 28 via an L-shaped protrusion 28 b and apair of pins 28 c and 28 d extending from the frame 28 a in a rearwarddirection. A button 34 is connected to the front bezel 28 via a pair ofpins 28 e and 28 f extending from the frame 28 a in a rearward direction(the pin 28 e is concealed from view in FIG. 4).

A hinge plate 36 having a tubular portion 36 a is hingedly connected tothe front bezel 28, via a rod 38 having opposing ends 38 a and 38 bwhich extends through the tubular portion, so that arcuate portions 28g, 28 h and 28 i of the front bezel at least partially circumferentiallyextend about the tubular portion. The end 38 a of the rod 38 extendsinto an opening 28 j formed in a vertically-extending plate portion 28 kof the front bezel 28 so that the front bezel captures and supports therod 38. Although not depicted in FIG. 4, it is understood that the end38 b of the rod 38 is similarly captured and supported by the frontbezel 28.

A reduced-diameter end portion 36 b of the tubular portion 36 a extendsthrough a torsion spring 39 having ends 39 a and 39 b. The end 39 a ofthe torsion spring 39 extends through a bore 36 c formed through a gearportion 36 d of the hinge plate 36, and the end 39 b of the torsionspring extends through an opening (not shown) formed in an upside-downL-shaped protrusion 28 l extending from the frame 28 a in a rearwarddirection and disposed between the arcuate portion 28 i and the plateportion 28 k. It is understood that the torsion spring may have apredetermined spring rate such as, for example, a spring rate of 0.18lb-in/degree. It is understood that the torsion spring 39 may have asurface finish such as, for example, a nickel plated surface finish.

A rotary damper 40 (FIG. 4B) is connected to the vertically-extendingplate portion 28 k of the front bezel 28. The rotary damper 40 includesa rotary portion 40 a coupled to a base portion 40 b, the rotary portionhaving a circumferentially-extending plurality of teeth 40 c. A pair ofprotrusions 40 d and 40 e extend from the base portion 40 b, theprotrusions 40 d and 40 e having tapered and enlarged distal endportions 40 f and 40 g, respectively. It is understood that the rotarydamper 40 has a torque rating and that the rotary portion 40 a isadapted to rotate in place under conditions to be described.

The door panel assembly 30 includes a door panel 42 engaged with thehinge plate 36, and a striker cap 44 connected to the door panel. Aspirally wound constant-force spring 46 is disposed in a hub portion 36eof the hinge plate 36, and a distal end 46 a of the spring extends in adownward direction from the hub portion and is connected to the doorpanel 42. It is understood that the spring 46 may have a predeterminedconstant force such as, for example, a constant force of 1.5 lb.

A rotary damper 48 (FIG. 4C) is connected to the hinge plate 36 andincludes a rotary portion 48 a coupled to a base portion 48 b, therotary portion having a circumferentially-extending plurality of teeth48 c. A pair of protrusions 48 d and 48 e extend from the base portion48 c, the protrusions 48 d and 48 e having tapered and enlarged distalend portions 48 f and 48 g, respectively. It is understood that therotary damper 48 has a torque rating and that the rotary portion 48 a isadapted to rotate in place under conditions to be described. For reasonsto be described, the torque rating of the rotary damper 48 is higherthan the torque rating of the rotary damper 40.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-5, the doorpanel 42 further includes an upper portion 42 a having an end chamfer 42b, and a vertical portion 42 c extending downward from the upperportion, the vertical portion 42 c defining an internal side 42 d fromwhich a cylindrical protrusion 42 e and an I-beam-shaped protrusion 42 fextend. The cylindrical protrusion 42 e is spaced in a parallel relationfrom the geometric center line of the door panel 42 by a predeterminedspacing for reasons to be described. It is understood that, for cosmeticreasons, a horizontally-extending cosmetic shelf component may extendfrom the front bezel 28 and/or the chassis 26 and into any visible gapbetween the upper portion 42 a of the door panel 42 and the front bezel28 and/or the chassis 26.

A pair of walls 42 g and 42 h spaced in a parallel relation areconnected to the internal side 42 d, the walls 42 g and 42 h generallyextending along the length of the internal side and having slots 42 iand 42 j, respectively, and notches 42 k and 42 l, respectively, formedtherein. Track members 42 m and 42 n extend inwardly towards each otherfrom the walls 42 g and 42 h, respectively, thereby defining channels 42o and 42 p (FIG. 7) between the internal side 42 d and the track members42 m and 42 n, respectively. Tabs 42 q and 42 r extend from the walls 42g and 42 h, respectively, and into the slots 42 i and 42 j,respectively. As shown more clearly in FIG. 8, as the track member 42 mextends towards the upper portion 42 a, the track member slopes towardsthe internal side 42 d.

A rack 42 s having a plurality of teeth 42 t is connected to theinternal side 42 d, generally extends along the length of the internalside, and is spaced in a parallel relation from the geometric centerline of the door panel 42 by a predetermined spacing for reasons to bedescribed. A pair of tabs 42 u and 42 v extend from the internal side 42d, and each of the tabs is generally flush with one of the opposingvertically-extending edges of the door panel 42. Ahorizontally-extending wall 42 w extends between the walls 42 g and 42h.

Referring to FIG. 9, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-8, the hingeplate 36 further includes a plate portion 36 f, and a pair of symmetricwing portions 36 g and 36 h extending from opposing sides of the plateportion and having distal portions 36 i and 36 j, respectively. A pairof vertically spaced through-openings 36 k and 36 l is formed in theplate portion 36 f. The hub portion 36 e defines a cavity 36 m and anopening 36 n to the cavity is formed in the plate portion 36 f. Aprotrusion 36 o having a distal end 36 p extends from the plate portion36 f and is positioned adjacent the opening 36 n. The gear portion 36 dincludes a plurality of teeth 36 q.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-9, thestriker cap 44 includes a horizontally-extending portion 44 a and a pairof protrusions 44 b and 44 c extending upwards from the opposing ends ofthe portion 44 a. A protuberance 44 d extends upward from the portion 44a, and includes a frame 44 e having a horizontally-extending portion 44f, and a ramp 44 g that slopes downwards from the portion 44 f to theportion 44 a.

A striker 44 h extends from the ramp 44 g in a generally rearwarddirection, is generally parallel to the protrusions 44 b and 44 c, andincludes a distal end portion 44 i. Tapered surfaces 44 j and 44 k atthe distal end portion 44 i extend away from each other to form ageneral “V” shape, with a surface 44 l defining the vertex of the “V”shape and extending at approximately a 45-degree angle from thehorizontally-extending portion 44 a. Tapered surfaces 44 m and 44 n(FIG. 11) at the distal end portion 44 i extend away from each other toform a general “V” shape, with a surface 440 defining the vertex of the“V” shape.

A protrusion 44 p having a distal end portion 44 q extends upward fromthe portion 44 a and an upright 44 r extends from the portion 44 a andthe protrusion 44 b. An upright 44 s extends vertically from the portion44 a and horizontally between the protrusion 44 c and the protuberance44 d. Symmetric surfaces 44 t and 44 u, and symmetric surfaces 44 v and44 w, are defined due to the tapered extensions of the surfaces 44 j and44 k, respectively. It is understood that the surfaces 44 t and 44 v areconcealed from view in FIG. 10 but are the symmetric equivalent of thesurfaces 44 u and 44 w, respectively. Symmetric surfaces 44 x and 44 yare defined due to the tapered extensions of the surfaces 44 m and 44 n,respectively. Symmetric protrusions 44 z and 44 aa extend inwardlytowards each other from the protrusions 44 b and 44 c, respectively (theprotrusion 44 aa is concealed from view).

Referring to FIGS. 12-13, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-11, thebutton 34 includes a tab 34 a defining a surface 34 b and having bores34 c, 34 d and 34 e formed therethrough. A flexible hinge 34 f extendsfrom the tab 34 a and is connected to a button member 34 g defining asurface 34 h. An actuation protrusion 34 i is connected to the buttonmember 34 g and defines a surface 34 j and tapered surfaces 34 k and341, with the tapered surfaces extending from the surface 34 j and awayfrom each other (the edges of the surfaces 34 j, 34 k and 341 are shownin FIG. 12).

The latch 32 includes a base 32 a having tabs 32 b and 32 c which definevertically-extending surfaces 32 d and 32 e, respectively, and furtherincludes a ramp portion 32 f. Bores 32 g and 32 h are formed through thetab 32 b and an L-shaped opening 32 i is formed through the tab 32 c.

Spaced arms 32 j and 32 k are cantilevered and extend from the rampportion 32 f, and are adapted to flex towards and away from each otherunder conditions to be described. A pair of co-planar latch faces 321and 32 m are defined by the arms 32 j and 32 k, respectively, and extendat a 45-degree angle. Symmetric tapered cavities 32 n and 32 o areformed in the arms 32 j and 32 k, respectively, and also extend at a45-degree angle. An undercut 32 p is formed in the arms 32 j and 32 k,and an undercut 32 q is formed in the arms 32 j and 32 k, therebydefining vertically-extending surfaces 32 r and 32 s, respectively,horizontally-extending surfaces 32 t and 32 u, respectively, andsurfaces 32 v and 32 w, respectively, which extend at a 45-degree angle.The surfaces 32 r, 32 t and 32 v of the arm 32 j are shown in FIG. 13,and the surfaces 32 s, 32 u and 32 w of the arm 32 k are concealed fromview but are understood to be the symmetric equivalents to the surfaces32 r, 32 t and 32 v, respectively. Rounds 32 x and 32 y are partiallyformed in the arms 32 j and 32 k, respectively.

When the information handling system 10 is in its assembled condition,as shown in FIGS. 2-3, and with continuing reference to FIGS. 4-13, thesurfaces 32 d and 32 e of the latch 32 engage the frame 28 a of thefront bezel 28 so that the pins 28 c and 28 d of the front bezel 28extend through the bores 32 g and 32 h of the latch, respectively, andso that the L-shaped protrusion 28 b of the front bezel 28 extendsthrough the L-shaped opening 32 i of the latch. It is understood thatone or more of the pins 28 c and 28 d and the L-shaped protrusion 28 bmay be heat staked to more securely connect the latch 32 to the frontbezel 28.

The surface 34 b of the button 34 engages the frame 28 a of the frontbezel 28 so that the pins 28 e and 28 f of the front bezel 28 extendthrough the bores 34 c and 34 d, respectively, of the button 34, and sothat another pin (concealed from view) extending from the frame 28 a ofthe front bezel 28 extends through the bore 34 e. It is understood thatone or more of the pins 28 e and 28 f and the pin concealed from viewmay be heat staked to more securely connect the button 34 to the frontbezel 28. The button member 34 g of the button 34 extends through theframe 28 a of the front bezel 28 so that the surface 34 h is accessiblefrom the front of the chassis 26 (see FIG. 2). As a result of theengagement between the button 34 and the frame 28 a, the actuationprotrusion 34 i is positioned proximate the arms 32 j and 32 k of thelatch 32, below the undercut 32 p, so that the surfaces 34 k and 341nominally contact or are spaced from the rounds 32 x and 32 y,respectively.

As described above, the hinge plate 36 is hingedly connected via the rod38 to the front bezel 28 and the torsion spring 39 is engaged with thehinge plate and the front bezel. The protrusions 40 d and 40 e of therotary damper 40 extend through openings 28 m and 28 n (FIG. 4),respectively, formed in the plate portion 28 k of the front bezel 28(the opening 28 m is concealed from view in FIG. 4), with the distal endportions 40 f and 40 g effecting a snap-fit connection between therotary damper and the plate portion of the front bezel. The teeth 40 cof the rotary damper 40 mesh with the teeth 36 q of the gear portion 36d of the hinge plate 36.

As noted above, the door panel 42 is engaged with the hinge plate 36.More particularly, the distal portions 36 i and 36 j of the wingportions 36 g and 36 h, respectively, of the hinge plate 36 extend intothe channels 420 and 42 p, respectively, of the door panel 42 so thatthe distal portions 36 i and 36 j slidably engage the track members 42 mand 42 n, respectively. It is understood that the hinge plate 36 may becomposed of a material suitable to facilitate the sliding engagementbetween the distal portions 36 i and 36 j of the hinge plate and thetrack members 42 m and 42 n, respectively of the door panel such as, forexample, a nylon material such as, for example, glass-filled nylon suchas, for example, 20% glass-filled nylon or 30% glass-filled nylonincluding 13% Teflon and 2% silicon.

The protrusions 48 d and 48 e of the rotary damper 48 extend through theopenings 36 k and 36 l, respectively, of the hinge plate 36, with thedistal end portions 36 f and 36 g effecting a snap-fit connectionbetween the rotary damper and the hinge plate. The teeth 48 d of therotary damper 48 mesh with the teeth 42 t of the rack 42 s of the doorpanel 42.

As mentioned above, the spirally wound constant-force spring 46 isdisposed in the hub portion 36 e of the hinge plate 36, and the distalend 46 a of the spring extends in a downward direction from the hubportion and is connected to the door panel 42. More particularly, theprotrusion 42 e of the door panel 42 extends through a hole 46 b formedin the distal end 46 a of the spring 46, thereby connecting the springto the door panel.

As noted above, the striker cap 44 is connected to the door panel 42.More particularly, the uprights 44 r and 44 s of the striker cap 44extend into the notches 42 k and 42 l, respectively, of the door panel42. The protrusion 44 b of the striker cap 44 is positioned between thetab 42 u and the wall 42 g of the door panel 42 so that the protrusion44 z at least partially extends into the slot 42 i and engages the wall42 g. Similarly, the protrusion 44 c of the striker cap 44 is positionedbetween the tab 42 v and the wall 42 h of the door panel 42 so that theprotrusion 44 aa at least partially extends into the slot 42 j andengages the wall 42 h. The distal end portion 44 q of the protrusion 44p of the striker cap 44 extends over and engages the I-beam-shapedprotrusion 42 f of the door panel 42, so that the protrusion 44 pfacilitates in preventing the distal end 46 a of the spring 46 fromdisengaging from the protrusion 42 e of the door panel.

It is understood that one or more of the engagements between theI-beam-shaped protrusion 42 f and the protrusion 44 p, the protrusion 44z and the wall 42 g, and the protrusion 44 aa and the wall 42 h form asnap-fit connection between the striker cap 44 and the door panel 42,with the bottom surface of the horizontally-extending portion 44 a ofthe striker panel being generally flush with the end of the door panel42 opposing the upper portion 42 a of the door panel.

In operation, the information handling system 10 is in its assembledcondition described above, and the door panel assembly 30 is normallyclosed, as shown in FIG. 2, during which time the striker 44 h isoperably engaged with the latch 32 so that the door panel assembly 30 isin a latched configuration.

More particularly, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-13, the striker44 h is received between the arms 32 j and 32 k of the latch 32,extending between the arms and into the region between the arms definedby the undercut 32 q, below the horizontally-extending surfaces 32 t and32 u. The door panel assembly 30, and therefore the door panel 42 andthe striker cap 44, are prevented from rotating about the rod 38 andaway from the frame 28 a due to one or more of the engagements betweenthe surfaces 44 v and 44 w and the angularly-extending surfaces 32 v and32 w, respectively, between the surfaces 44 x and 44 y and theangularly-extending surfaces 32 v and 32 w, respectively, between thesurfaces 44 v and 44 w and the vertically-extending surfaces 32 r and 32s, respectively, and/or between the surfaces 44 x and 44 y and thevertically-extending surfaces 32 r and 32 s, respectively. These one ormore engagements occur because the torsion spring 39 is biased due tothe generally vertically-extending positions of the hinge plate 36 andthe door assembly 30 relative to the torsion spring, and thus thetorsion spring is continuously urging the hinge plate 36 and the doorpanel assembly 30 to rotate about the rod 38.

Moreover, referring to FIG. 14A, with continuing reference to FIGS.1-13, the door panel assembly 30, and therefore the door panel 42 andthe striker cap 44, are prevented from translating in an upwarddirection, relative to the front bezel 28, due to one or more of theengagements between the surfaces 44 v and 44 w and theangularly-extending surfaces 32 v and 32 w, respectively, between thesurfaces 44 t and 44 u and the angularly-extending surfaces 32 v and 32w, respectively, between the surfaces 44 v and 44 w and thehorizontally-extending surfaces 32 t and 32 u, respectively, and/orbetween the surfaces 44 t and 44 u and the horizontally-extendingsurfaces 32 t and 32 u, respectively. These one or more engagementsoccur because the constant-force spring 46 is biased due to the verticalextension of the door 42 relative to the hinge plate 36, which causesthe distal end 46 a of the spring to be appreciably extended from thecavity 36 m in which the majority of the spring is disposed, and thusthe spring is continuously urging the door panel assembly 30 totranslate upwards and relative to the hinge plate.

It is understood that the door panel 42 may experience a local bulgingin the vicinity of the torsion spring 39 due to the location of and theoutwardly-directed forces exerted by the torsion spring 39 on the doorpanel. This may be especially true when the door panel assembly 30 is inits latched configuration. However, the track member 42 m of the doorpanel 42 slopes inwards towards the internal side 42 d of the doorpanel, thereby forcing the door panel to be positioned closer to thehinge plate 36 and the frame 28 a of the front bezel 28, and therebyminimizing any bulging of the door panel in the vicinity of the torsionspring 39.

Referring to FIG. 14B, with continuing reference to FIG. 14A and FIGS.1-13, the door panel assembly 30 is placed in an unlatched configurationby applying pressure to the surface 34 h of the button member 34 g ofthe button 34 so that the hinge 34 f flexes and the button 34, with theexception of the tab 34 a, slightly rotates in a counterclockwisedirection about the tab, and so that the actuation protrusion 34 itravels towards and is received between the arms 32 j and 32 k of thelatch.

During this time, the tapered surfaces 34 k and 34 l of the button 34contact and push against the arms 32 j and 32 k, respectively, includingthe rounds 32 x and 32 y, respectively, thereby forcing the arms 32 jand 32 k to flex apart from each other. As a result, the striker 44 h isdisengaged from the surfaces 32 r and 32 s, the surfaces 32 t and 32 u,and/or the surfaces 32 v and 32 w, and the door panel assembly 30 isunlatched from the latch 32. The tapers of the tapered surfaces 34 k and34 l facilitate the gradual entry of the actuation protrusion 34 ibetween the arms 32 j and 32 k of the latch 32.

It is understood that a component such as a sheet-metal stop may beplaced behind the latch 32, opposite the side of the latch engaged bythe actuation protrusion 34 i of the button 34, in order to maintain thelatch 32 as substantially immobile, thereby preventing the heat-stakedjunctions between the pins 28 c and 28 d of the front bezel 28 and thetab 32 b of the latch, and/or between the L-shaped protrusion 28 b ofthe front bezel and the tab 32 c of the latch, from undergoing anyappreciable loading and possibly damage.

After the door panel assembly 30 is unlatched from the latch 32,pressure is no longer applied to the surface 34 h of the button 34,thereby causing the actuation protrusion 34 i to be removed from betweenthe arms 32 j and 32 k of the latch so that the arms flex back towardseach other to their original, at-rest positions corresponding to theabove-described latched configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, with continuing reference to FIGS.1-14, when the door panel assembly 30 is placed in its unlatchedconfiguration, that is, upon the unlatching of the door panel assembly30 from its latched configuration (FIG. 1 5A), the torsion spring 39causes the hinge plate 36, and therefore the door panel assembly 30, torotate outward and upward, about the rod 38. Simultaneously with thisrotation, as shown in FIG. 15B, the distal end 46 a of theconstant-force spring 46 retracts towards the cavity 36 m, therebyapplying a pulling force to the protrusion 42 e and causing the doorpanel assembly 30 to translate along and relative to the hinge plate 36during the rotation of the door assembly. That is, the track members 42m and 42 n of the door panel 42 engage and slide against the distalportions 36 i and 36j, respectively, of the wing portions 36 g and 36 h,respectively, of the hinge plate 36, while the distal portions 36 i and36 j continue to extend in the channels 42 n and 42 o, respectively,albeit at different locations within the channels over time as the doorpanel translates.

The rotary portion 40 a of the rotary damper 40 rotates in place and,due to the meshing between the teeth 40 c of the rotary damper and theteeth 36 q of the hinge plate 36, the rotary damper at least partiallyresists and/or controls the rotational velocity of the door panelassembly 30 and causes the hinge plate and therefore the door panelassembly to rotate smoothly. Similarly, the rotary portion 48 a of therotary damper 48 rotates in place and, due to the meshing between theteeth 48 c of the rotary damper and the teeth 42 t of the rack 42 s ofthe door panel 42, the rotary damper at least partially resists and/orcontrols the translational velocity of the door panel assembly 30 andcauses the door panel assembly to translate smoothly. Since the torquerating of the rotary damper 40 is lower than the torque rating of therotary damper 48, the door panel assembly 30 rotates faster than ittranslates.

The rotation and translation of the door panel assembly 30 continuesuntil the door panel assembly rotates 90 degrees and the striker cap 44engages the hinge plate 36 to stop the translation of the door panelassembly 30 relative to the hinge plate, thereby fully opening andexposing the frame 28 a of the front bezel 28, as shown in FIG. 15C.

It is understood that, during the above-described motion of the doorpanel assembly 30, the application of force on the door panel 42 by theconstant-force spring 46 may tend to urge the door panel to twist in aplane that is either generally parallel to or generally coplanar withthe plate portion 36 f of the hinge plate 36. It is further understoodthat the predetermined parallel-relation spacings between the geometriccenter line of the door panel 42 and the protrusion 42 e (at whichlocation the spring 46 applies the force to the door panel), and betweenthe geometric center line of the door panel and the teeth 42 t of therack 42 s of the door panel (at which location the rotary damper 48 atleast partially resists and/or controls the translational velocity ofthe door panel), may be optimized to reduce the probability of thetwisting of the door panel such as, for example, the foregoing spacingsfrom the geometric center line of the door panel 42 may generally beequidistant from either side of the geometric center line.

Further, it is understood that, during the rotation of the door panelassembly 30, the torsion spring 39's plating may at least partiallyreduce any noise due to any rubbing of the torsion spring against thehinge plate 36. Also, during the rotation of the door panel assembly 30,the chamfer 42 b enables the upper portion 42 a of the door panel 42 toclear the top of the chassis 26.

Still further, it is understood that, during the retraction of thedistal end 46 a of the spring 46 during the translation of the doorpanel assembly 30, the portions of the spring being retracted may slidealong and/or contact the distal end 36 p of the protrusion 36 o so thatthe protrusion facilitates in guiding the spring back into the cavity 36m of the hinge plate 36. Also, it is understood that, since the doorpanel assembly 30 automatically rotates and translates, the probabilityof damage to the door panel assembly, due to its handling by anoperator, is reduced.

Moreover, it is understood that, although the door panel assembly 30simultaneously rotates and translates, the rotation of the door panelassembly is independent of its translation, and vice versa.

For example, referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C, an obstacle 50 may bepositioned above the chassis 26 and the door panel assembly 30 may beinitially latched in the manner described above, as shown in FIG. 16A.Upon the unlatching of the door panel assembly 30, the door panelassembly begins to simultaneously rotate and translate in the mannerdescribed above. However, the door panel assembly 30 subsequentlycontacts the obstacle 50, thereby preventing further verticaltranslation, as shown in FIG. 16B. Since the rotational andtranslational motions of the door panel assembly 30 are independent ofeach other, the door panel assembly only rotates until the obstacle 50no longer prevents the door panel assembly from translating, at whichpoint the door panel assembly resumes both rotation and translation andcontinues such motion until full rotation and translation has occurred,as shown in FIG. 16C and in a manner similar to that described above.Thus, the clearance required between the chassis 26 and the obstacle 50is minimized.

For another example, referring to FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, an obstacle 52may be positioned in front of the chassis 26 and the door panel assemblymay be initially latched in the manner described above, as shown in FIG.17A. Upon the unlatching of the door panel assembly 30, the door panelassembly begins to simultaneously rotate and translate in the mannerdescribed above. However, the door panel assembly 30 subsequentlycontacts the obstacle 52, thereby preventing further rotation, as shownin FIG. 17B. Since the rotational and translational motions of the doorpanel assembly 30 are independent of each other, the door panel assemblyonly translates until the obstacle 52 no longer prevents the door panelassembly from rotating, at which point the door panel assembly resumesboth rotation and translation and continues such motion until fullrotation and translation has occurred, as shown in FIG. 17C and in amanner similar to that described above. Thus, the clearance requiredbetween the chassis 26 and the obstacle 52 is minimized.

In view of the foregoing, it is understood that door panel assembly 30is movable, relative to the chassis 26, along a wide variety of motionpaths, and may translate then rotate, rotate then translate, rotate andtranslate simultaneously and/or undergo any combination thereof. It isfurther understood that the translation and/or rotation of the doorpanel assembly 30 may only be temporarily interrupted.

To close the door panel assembly 30, an operator grasps the door panelassembly and then rotates and translates the door panel assembly,overcoming the forces generated by the springs 39 and 46, so that thestriker 44 h of the striker cap 44 engages the arms 32 j and 32 k of thelatch 32, thereby closing the door panel assembly and placing the doorpanel assembly in the latched configuration. It is understood that thedoor panel assembly 30 may be rotated and translated in several ways inorder to place the door panel assembly in its latched configuration.

For example, the door panel assembly 30 may be rotated 90 degrees fromthe position shown in FIG. 17C to a generally vertical orientation, andthen may be translated vertically downwards. As shown in FIG. 1 8A, ifthe door panel assembly 30 is closed in such a manner, the striker 44 hof the striker cap 44 approaches the latch 32 at a 90-degree angle fromthe horizontal, with the end of the surface 44 l adjacent the surface 44o defining the leading edge of approach to the latch, with respect tothe surface 44 l (the surfaces 44 l and 44 o are shown in detail in FIG.11). It is understood that, during the approach of the striker 44 h at a90-degree angle from the horizontal, the motion path of the striker 44h, relative to the latch 32, may vary from that which is depicted inFIG. 18A.

The striker 44 h travels between the arms 32 j and 32 k, forcing thearms apart so that the striker enters into the region between the armsdefined by the undercut 32 q, below the horizontally-extending surfaces32 t and 32 u, thereby placing the door panel assembly 30 in theabove-described latched configuration. The tapered surfaces 44 m and 44n facilitate the entrance and reception of the striker 44 h into theregion between the arms 32 j and 32 k defined by the undercut 32 q, andthe forcing of the arms apart. Moreover, the tapered surfaces 44 j and44 k, and the corresponding 45-degree angular extensions of the taperedsurfaces 44 j and 44 k and of the cavities 32 n and 32 o, may alsofacilitate the entrance and reception of the striker 44 h into theregion between the arms 32 j and 32 k defined by the undercut 32 q, andthe forcing of the arms apart.

In the alternative, the door panel assembly 30 may be translatedhorizontally until the wall 42 w of the door panel 42 engages the hingeplate 36, thereby preventing further translation, and then may berotated 90 degrees. As shown in FIG. 18B, if the door panel assembly 30is closed in such a manner, the striker 44 h of the striker cap 44approaches the latch 32 at a 0-degree angle from the horizontal, withthe end of the surface 44 l adjacent the surface 44 i defining theleading edge of approach towards the latch, with respect to the surface44 l (the surfaces 44 l and 44 i are shown in detail in FIG. 11). It isunderstood that, during the approach of the striker 44 h at a 0-degreeangle from the horizontal, the motion path of the striker 44 h, relativeto the latch 32, may vary from that which is depicted in FIG. 18B.

The striker 44 h travels between the arms 32 j and 32 k, forcing thearms apart so that the striker enters into the region between the armsdefined by the undercut 32 q, below the horizontally-extending surfaces32 t and 32 u, thereby placing the door panel assembly 30 in theabove-described latched configuration. The tapered surfaces 44 j and 44k, and the corresponding 45-degree angular extensions of the taperedsurfaces 44 j and 44 k and of the cavities 32 n and 32 o, facilitate theentrance and reception of the striker 44 h into the region between thearms 32 j and 32 k defined by the undercut 32 q, and the forcing of thearms apart. Moreover, the tapered surfaces 44 m and 44 n may alsofacilitate the entrance and reception of the striker 44 h into theregion between the arms 32 j and 32 k defined by the undercut 32 q, andthe forcing of the arms apart.

Notwithstanding the above, it is understood that the door panel assembly30 may be closed using a wide variety of combinations of translationaland rotational motion.

In view of the foregoing, it is understood that the latch 32 may becomposed of any type of material that is suitable for repeatedengagement with and disengagement from the striker 44 h such as, forexample, a nylon material. It is further understood that the striker 44h may be composed of any type of material that is suitable for repeatedengagement with and disengagement from the latch 32 such as, forexample, a polycarbonate/ABS material (PC/ABS). Also, it is understoodthat the striker 44 h and the latch may be composed of differentmaterials to reduce the possibility of wear and tear on the strikerand/or the latch. For example, the striker 44 h may be composed of anylon material and the latch 32 may be composed of PC/ABS.

It is understood that the latch 32 may be used in conjunction with thestriker 44 h, but with an alternate door panel assembly. For example, anexemplary door panel assembly may be a link in a four-bar-linkage systemwhich enables the striker 44 h to approach the latch 32 at a 45-degreeangle from the horizontal, as shown in FIG. 19, with neither end of thesurface 44 l leading the other as the striker approaches the latch, thatis, with neither the end of the surface 44 l adjacent the surface 44 o,nor the opposing end of the surface 44 l adjacent the surface 44 i,leading the other as the striker approaches the latch (the surfaces 44l, 44 o and 44 i are shown in detail in FIG. 11). It is understood that,during the approach of the striker 44 h at a 45-degree angle from thehorizontal, the motion path of the striker 44 h, relative to the latch32, may vary from that which is depicted in FIG. 19. The striker 44 hengages the latch 32 in the manner substantially identical to thatdescribed above in connection with the 0 or 90-degree approaches. It isunderstood that the striker cap 44 may be removed from the apparatus, ormodified, as long as the striker 44 h remains so as to be operablyengageable with the latch 32.

In view of the foregoing, it is understood that the latch 32 ismultidirectional and may receive the striker 44 h from any approachangle between 0 and 90 degrees from the horizontal, with the end of thesurface 44 l adjacent the surface 44 i defining the leading edge ofapproach with respect to the surface 44 l for angles of approach rangingfrom about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees from the horizontal, as viewedin FIGS. 18A, 18B and 19, and with the end of the surface 44 l adjacentthe surface 44 o defining the leading edge of approach with respect tothe surface 44 l for angles of approach ranging from about 45 degrees toabout 90 degrees from the horizontal, as viewed in FIGS. 18A, 18B and19.

It follows that any door-panel-type component connected to the latch 44h may be closed from any direction between 0 and 90 degrees from thehorizontal, as long as physically permitted by the geometry of the frontbezel 28, the chassis 26 and/or the door panel component and itsaccompanying structure such as, for example, the hinge plate 36 or afour-bar-linkage system.

In view of the foregoing, it is understood that the latch 32 and/or thestriker 44 h are not limited to use with the door panel assembly 30, thedoor panel 42, the striker 44 and/or any other of the above-describedcomponents, and instead the latch 32 and/or the striker 44 h may be usedwith a wide variety of devices such as, for example, a wide variety ofdoor panels, hatches, doors, movable panels, door panel assemblies,access panels, access devices and/or other components requiring one ormore latching engagements therebetween. It is further understood thatthe latch 32 and/or the striker 44 h are not limited to use inapplications for information handling systems, and instead may be usedin a wide variety of other latching applications.

It is understood that further variations may be made in the foregoingwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example,although the chassis 26 is shown in an upright position in FIG. 2, it isunderstood that the chassis may be placed on its side without affectingthe above-described operation. Moreover, it is understood that each ofthe above-described components may be composed of a wide variety ofmaterials.

Any foregoing spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,”“above,” “below,” “rear,” “between,” “vertical,” “angular,”“horizontal,'etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do notlimit the specific orientation or location of the structure describedabove.

It is understood that one or more of the above-described embodimentsand/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one ormore of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.

Although, illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of theembodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of theembodiments disclosed herein.

1. An information handling system comprising: a chassis; a componentadapted for movement relative to the chassis at an angle ranging fromabout 0 degrees to about 90 degrees; a base connected to the chassis;and a pair of spaced arms extending from the base.
 2. The informationhandling system of claim 1 further comprising: a first configuration inwhich a first spacing between corresponding portions of the arms isdefined; and a second configuration in which a second spacing betweenthe corresponding portions of the arms is defined that is greater thanthe first spacing.
 3. The information handling system of claim 2 furthercomprising: a protrusion adapted to be received between the arms so thatthe protrusion moves the arms between the first configuration and thesecond configuration.
 4. The information handling system of claim 2wherein the component comprises a striker adapted to be received betweenthe arms so that, in the first configuration at least a portion of thestriker is engaged with at least one pair of surfaces of the respectivearms.
 5. The information handling system of claim 4 wherein an undercutis formed in the arms, the undercut defining: a pair ofhorizontally-extending surfaces of the respective arms; a pair of45-degree-extending surfaces of the respective arms; and a pair ofvertically-extending surfaces of the respective arms.
 6. The informationhandling system of claim 5 wherein the at least one pair of surfaces isselected from the group consisting of the pair of horizontally-extendingsurfaces, the pair of 45-degree-extending surfaces, and the pair ofvertically-extending surfaces.
 7. The information handling system ofclaim 6 wherein the striker comprises first and second pairs of taperedsurfaces to facilitate the reception of the striker between the arms,and wherein the first pair of tapered surfaces extends at about a45-degree angle.
 8. The information handling system of claim 7 wherein apair of latch faces are defined by the arms, respectively, and extend atabout a 45-degree angle.
 9. The information handling system of claim 8wherein symmetric tapered cavities are formed in the latch faces,respectively, to facilitate the reception of the striker between thearms, each of the cavities extending at about a 45-degree angle.
 10. Asystem for latching first and second components, the system comprising:a striker connected to the first component and adapted for movementrelative to the second component at an angle ranging from about 0degrees to about 90 degrees; and means connected to the second componentfor operably engaging the striker in response to the relative movementto latch the first component to the second component.
 11. The system ofclaim 10 wherein the first component is a door panel and wherein thesecond component is a chassis of an information handling system.
 12. Thesystem of claim 10 wherein the means comprises: a base connected to thechassis; and a pair of spaced arms extending from the base; wherein themeans further has: a first configuration in which a first spacingbetween corresponding portions of the arms is defined; and a secondconfiguration in which a second spacing between the at leastcorresponding portions of the arms is defined that is greater than thefirst spacing.
 13. The system of claim 12 further comprising: aprotrusion adapted to be received between the arms so that theprotrusion forces the arms apart to place the means in the secondconfiguration; and wherein the protrusion is adapted to be removed frombetween the arms to place the means in the first configuration.
 14. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein the striker is adapted to be received betweenthe arms so that, when the means is in the first configuration, at leasta portion of the striker is engaged with at least one pair of surfacesof the respective arms to maintain the latching of the first componentto the second component.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein an undercutis formed in the arms, the undercut defining: a pair ofhorizontally-extending surfaces of the respective arms; a pair of45-degree-extending surfaces of the respective arms; and a pair ofvertically-extending surfaces of the respective arms; and wherein the atleast one pair of surfaces is selected from the group consisting of thepair of horizontally-extending surfaces, the pair of 45-degree-extendingsurfaces, and the pair of vertically-extending surfaces.
 16. The systemof claim 14 wherein a pair of latch faces are defined by the arms,respectively, and extend at about a 45-degree angle, and whereinsymmetric tapered cavities are formed in the latch faces, respectively,to facilitate the reception of the striker between the arms, each of thecavities extending at about a 45-degree angle.
 17. A striker comprising:first and second pairs of tapered surfaces to facilitate the receptionof the striker between a pair of arms of a latch to operably engage thelatch; wherein the first pair of tapered surfaces extends at about a45-degree angle; and wherein the striker is adapted to approach thelatch at an approach angle ranging from about 0 degrees to about 90degrees.
 18. The striker of claim 17 wherein the latch is connected to achassis of an information handling system.
 19. A method comprising:connecting a latch to a chassis of an information handling system;moving a striker towards the latch at an approach angle; and operablyengaging the striker with the latch, wherein the approach angle rangesfrom about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.
 20. An information handlingsystem comprising: a chassis; a rotating door panel coupled to thechassis; a base connected to the chassis; a pair of spaced armsextending from the base and movable between a first configuration and asecond configuration; a latch connected to the chassis; and a strikerengageable with the arms and connected to the door panel and adapted toapproach the latch at an approach angle ranging from about 0 degrees toabout 90 degrees to operably engage the latch.